Monday, August 31, 2009

Austrian Maierhofer joins Wolves

Stefan Maierhofer
Maierhofer scored in Rapid's 1-1 draw with Austria Vienna on Saturday

Wolves have signed Austria international striker Stefan Maierhofer from Rapid Vienna on a three-year deal.

The 27-year-old, who scored 23 goals in 37 games for his club last season, is believed to have cost an initial £1.8m.

An additional payment of £900,000 will reportedly be made to the Austrian side if Wolves avoid relegation from the Premier League this season.

Wolves have the option of extending the tall forward's stay for another term at the end of his first three years.

"We are delighted to bring Stefan in as our ninth new arrival this summer," said Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey.

"He is a player who has been a regular goalscorer for Rapid Vienna in recent seasons and helped the club qualify for the Europa League."

Since making his debut in a 2-2 draw against Italy in August 2008, Maierhofer has won another five caps for his country.

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After finalising details on his move, he will now rejoin his international team-mates as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against the Faroe Islands on Saturday.

He is Wolves' ninth signing of the summer following the arrival of Segundo Castillo, Nenad Milijas, Marcus Hahnemann, Kevin Doyle, Andrew Surman, Greg Halford, Ronald Zubar and the loan of Chelsea's Michael Mancienne.

Moxey expects that Maierhofer will complete Mick McCarthy's spending until January, although defenders Neill Collins and Darren Ward are likely to depart.

"There are still 24 hours remaining until the transfer window closes, and it may well be that there is more activity in the outgoing department," said Moxey.

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